African Applied Psychology (Social/Community focus) | 24 January 2008

Impact Evaluation of Food Security Interventions on Livestock Wealth Accumulation Among Ethiopian Smallholder Farmers: An Ethnographic Study

A, l, e, m, a, y, e, h, u, D, e, s, a, l, e, g, n, ,, M, e, k, o, n, n, e, n, B, e, l, a, y

Abstract

Food security interventions in Ethiopia have been implemented to address malnutrition and poverty among smallholder farmers. However, their impact on livestock wealth accumulation remains underexplored. The research employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 50 smallholder farmers in selected districts of Ethiopia. Data analysis utilised thematic coding. Farmers reported increased livestock productivity following interventions, particularly among women who managed more animals post-intervention (72% increase). The study underscores the importance of considering gender dynamics in food security programmes to enhance their impact on livestock wealth accumulation. Interventions should prioritise training and support for female farmers to maximise benefits from such initiatives. Food Security, Smallholder Farmers, Livestock Wealth Accumulation, Ethnographic Study